The Department of Education has said there are no plans for large-scale school closures “at this point” in response to the coronavirus outbreak.
While rumours about schools shutting have been circulating on social media, a department spokesman said it would be guided by public health advice regarding Covid-19, which at present is not to close schools.
"The Department of Education and Skills is liaising closely with the Department of Health on a continuing basis," a spokesman said. "Any decision to close schools will be made on public health advice. There is no such advice at this point."
The spokesman said that any decisions regarding responses to the virus are proportionate, necessary and based on specific public health advice.
“No other response is appropriate,” he said.
Public health professionals will contact schools if there is any action to be taken and schools have been advised not to take unilateral action.
“The department is deeply conscious of the significance of decisions concerning school closures, and the potential impact any such decisions would have on parents, families and the wider community,” the spokesman said, adding that it was an “evolving situation” and that the department was liasing with the Department of Health on the issue.
While the department has declined to comment on reports that many schools are closed due to the coronavirus threat, it is understood that at least four have been closed since last week.
The schools - one in the Dublin area and three in the west - have been shut on the advice of health authorities after individuals tested positive for coronavirus.
Many schools are advising pupils to empty lockers and bring books home in case schools are closed at short notice. Others are testing online learning platforms and ensuring teachers are in a position to either deliver content or share lessons with students online.
Some teachers in primary schools have also said they have been asked to prepare homework assignments to last a number of weeks in case large-scale closures occur soon.
Fianna Fáil education spokesman Thomas Byrne called for greater clarity over the department’s contingency plans for schools and State exams.
“For example, oral exams are due to take place in the coming weeks,” he said. “Preparations should begin now to provide pupils with additional supports so that they can continue their education, both in schools and in higher education...While I hope that serious disruption will not take place, it is important that plans are put in place well ahead of time.”
The State Examinations Commission has previously said that it has contingency plans for dealing with disruptions to exams in individual schools. It is unclear, however, what options may be considered in the case of large-scale closures.
Schools, pre-schools, higher education and parents, meanwhile, have been provided with advice and guidance in respect of Covid-19.
There is guidance on the department's website setting out precautionary steps to take to help reduce the risk of spreading the virus, as well as advice on cases where staff or students should self-isolate.
The National College of Ireland, meanwhile, has said it is examining “alternative arrangements” for students’ May exams.
It says it is taking into account the “individual requirements of different courses and exam awards” and a general statement will be issued to students later this week.
